Thomas Windell Smith of Dothan, Ala. was charged with one count of conspiring "to injure, oppress, threaten, and intimidate African American persons in Alabama" to prevent them from enjoying "the right to occupy a dwelling free from intimidation and interference based on race," according to court documents.

"This defendant not only committed a federal crime, but committed a contemptible action of hate," U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. said in a written statement Monday accompanying an announcement of the plea. "I hope this prosecution sends a clear message that these hateful demonstrations will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Dinkle was arrested on Nov. 27 for his alleged role in the cross burning and for allegedly attempting to obstruct the investigation. Last month, Dinkle's mother, who prosecutors described as "the former secretary of the KKK chapter" in Ozark was also arrested and charged with committing perjury before the grand jury investigating the cross burning.

Smith faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Prosecutors said Dinkle built the cross, "encouraged" Smith to join him, and lit the cross on fire. Smith allegedly drove himself and Dinkle to the scene with the cross in his truck.